Whistler vs. Squamish: Choosing Your Sea-to-Sky Home

The drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway is easily one of the most beautiful commutes in the world. But for those looking to put down roots in British Columbia’s mountain corridor, the drive eventually forces a decision: do you stop in the adventure hub of Squamish, or keep climbing to the world-class resort town of Whistler?

It used to be that Squamish was simply the affordable overflow for people who couldn't buy in the city or the resort. That isn't the case anymore. Today, both towns are high-value, highly desirable markets with distinct personalities.

Choosing between living in Whistler vs Squamish usually comes down to three things: your budget, your commute needs, and whether you prefer the high-energy amenities of a resort or the grounded community feel of a growing town.

The biggest difference between these two neighbours isn't the view; it’s the daily rhythm. Whistler operates on a pulse of tourism and seasonality, while Squamish feels more like a traditional town that just happens to sit at the base of epic mountains.

Whistler is high-energy and international. Because the population swells from about 14,000 permanent residents to over 45,000 during peak seasons, there is a constant buzz. You have access to incredible fine dining, nightlife, and festivals that punch way above the weight of a small town. However, the population is transient. You’ll meet fascinating people from all over the world, but many of them are seasonal workers or visitors who will be gone in six months.

Squamish offers a much more grounded vibe. With a median age around 38 and a population over 24,000, it feels settled. This is where you see neighbors chatting at the farmer’s market or bumping into each other at the trailheads year-round. It’s less about "being seen" at the village stroll and more about grabbing a post-hike beer at a local brewery. For those living in Squamish, the community feels permanent rather than seasonal.

Both towns are arguably top-tier globally for outdoorsy buyers, but their specialties differ.

If your life revolves around winter sports, Whistler is the undisputed king. Having Whistler Blackcomb in your backyard means you have access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the planet. The premium here is for "ski-in/ski-out" access—a feature you simply cannot find in Squamish.

Squamish, on the other hand, markets itself as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," and it earns that title through rock climbing, wind sports, and mountain biking. The Stawamus Chief is a global draw for climbers, and the Spit is famous for kiteboarding.

While both towns offer incredible mountain biking and hiking, Squamish benefits from being closer to the ocean and at a lower elevation. This creates a longer "dry season" for biking and hiking compared to Whistler, where the alpine snowpack lingers longer into the spring.

When we sit down to look at the numbers, the distinction between a resort market and a residential market becomes clear. Whistler is dominated by luxury vacation properties and strict zoning regulations, while Squamish is a rapidly appreciating residential hub.

In the Whistler real estate market, zoning is everything. You have to navigate "Phase 1" vs. "Phase 2" covenants which dictate whether you can live in the property, rent it out nightly, or both. Prices reflect the global demand. You are looking at roughly $2.3M to well over $6M for detached homes, with a median assessed value sitting near $2.8M. Even condos and townhomes command a premium, ranging from $800K to $1.5M+.

Squamish has transitioned from an "affordable alternative" to a high-end market in its own right, though it is still generally more accessible than Whistler. It is popular with Vancouver expats and younger buyers moving up the property ladder.

Currently, Squamish homes for sale in the detached category range from $1.2M to $2.8M, with a median assessment around $1.48M. Condos and townhomes offer a lower entry point, typically falling between $650K and $1.5M. While prices here have risen sharply, you generally get more square footage and land for your dollar than you would further up the highway.

Beyond the mortgage, the monthly cost of living differs significantly between the two. Whistler suffers from what locals call the "resort tax"—not a literal tax, but the higher price tag on gas, groceries, and services due to its remote location and tourist focus.

In Whistler, a simple grocery run or tank of gas usually costs more than in Squamish. Additionally, property taxes on high-value resort homes can be steep. Renters also feel the squeeze, with one-bedroom units often ranging from $2,300 to over $3,800 depending on the season, if you can find long-term inventory at all.

Squamish is expensive compared to the national average, but it offers relief in the form of big-box retail. Access to stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and larger supermarkets helps keep the weekly grocery bill lower. While the "living wage" is high in both towns, Whistler consistently ranks as having the highest living wage requirement in BC, confirming that daily life there requires a stronger financial buffer.

For many buyers, the decision hinges on how often they need to be in Vancouver.

If you work in the city, Squamish is the realistic limit for a hybrid or daily commute. The drive to Vancouver is roughly 45 to 60 minutes. It’s a stunning drive, but reliance on the Sea-to-Sky Highway means you are at the mercy of traffic accidents or weather events.

Whistler is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Vancouver. This isn't practical for a daily commute. Whistler tends to attract remote workers who only need to visit the city occasionally, or investors who visit on weekends.

Interestingly, there is a strong "reverse commute" or internal corridor commute. About 8% of the Squamish workforce commutes roughly 45 minutes north to work in Whistler. This allows them to earn resort wages or enjoy the mountains while paying Squamish housing prices.

When you move past the adventure lifestyle, you have to look at the infrastructure that supports long-term living.

If you are skimming for a quick comparison, here is how the trade-offs usually look:

Ultimately, the choice relies on where you want to spend your time and money.

If you are looking for the ultimate ski lifestyle, a luxury vacation property, or you want to be in the center of the action with world-class dining at your doorstep, Whistler properties are the right target. It is a lifestyle choice that prioritizes recreation and luxury above all else.

However, if you need to commute to Vancouver, want a neighborhood where you know your neighbors year-round, or prefer rock climbing and water sports over skiing, you will likely find a better fit in the Sea to Sky real estate guide for Squamish. It offers a balance of adventure and practicality that is hard to beat.

Generally, it is cheaper to live in Squamish. While housing prices in Squamish have risen, they are still lower than Whistler's luxury market, and daily expenses like gas and groceries are significantly more affordable due to access to standard retail chains.

Yes, many residents commute from Squamish to Vancouver, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes each way. However, you should be prepared for winter driving conditions and potential delays on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which can occasionally close due to accidents.

It depends on your goals. Whistler is better for investors looking for high-revenue short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb), provided you buy in the right zone. Squamish is often preferred for long-term buy-and-hold investors looking for capital appreciation and stable long-term tenants.